Heritage House welcomes young visitors

There has been a lot of activity at the Brac Heritage House in recent weeks, with locals and visitors taking part in a number of events.

The Leadership Cayman group visited Heritage House on May 6 during a two-day visit to the Sister Islands. Participants in the six-month program take part in an in-depth introduction to social, economic, business and political issues in the Cayman Islands.

The Sister Islands seminar presented an opportunity for class members to meet leaders from a variety of sectors and explore issues specific to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman.

At Heritage House, the group was treated to a traditional cooking class. Instructor Annalee Ebanks showed them how to prepare coconut drops, and the group was also treated to fresh coconut water and individual gift bags.

At the children’s after-school program on May 18, youngsters learned about Cayman’s seafaring heritage.

The Cayman Islands was once known around the world for its seamen who sailedwith the high seas, and at the session the children learned how these men gained renown as excellent navigators, ship builders, fishermen and sea captains.

For many years, the prosperity of the Cayman Islands largely depended on the earnings of these seamen.

The children were told about how the sailors found work on many different boats and with shipping companies around the world, but in particular, a great majority from the 1950s to the 1970s were employed by Daniel K. Ludwig’s giant shipping line, National Bulk Carriers.

Students had fun making miniature cup lighthouses, a symbolic beacon to many seamen which represented guidance, protection and hope.

Turtles

On May 25, the group learned about another past industry, turtle fishing, and the role turtles have and continue to play in Caymanian history and culture.

The children were taught abo

Making turtle crafts was lots of fun at the after-school program.

ut the historic turtle fishing grounds around the Caribbean, including the Mosquito Cays off the coast of Honduras, and the various types of equipment such as nets, catboats and the schooner sailing vessels used for these journeys.

They also learned about turtles, including how they are now protected under the Marine Law, the start and process of turtle nesting season, as well as the connection between turtles and the annual Batabano carnival celebration.

The various attractions at the Cayman Islands Turtle Farm in Grand Cayman were also highlighted. The group followed along the lesson plan by participating in a Turtle Bingo game.

Each child created and decorated their own turtle as a craft.

Heritage House also hosts a Day Care kids day, which took place on May 30.

Kids craft wattle and daub houses at the day care.

Wattle-and-daub houses

The little ones learned about the historic wattle-and-daub building style. The 13 students then created their very own makeshift wattle-and-daub houses.

As part of a game, the children worked together to build a miniature home out of pretend wattles (popsicle sticks), wood shingle roofing (corkboard squares) and daub (white paper).

Heritage House also hosted another group of visitors on May 27, the graduating class of the First Baptist School.

Parents and students toured the grounds, watched a special video presentation and played interactive games.

Year 10 food and nutrition students at Layman E. Scott High School, taking part in the after-school traditional cooking class, tried their hand at making fried fish and fritters under the guidance of Odette Dixon on May 5.

Heritage House Mini Craft Markets take place on Thursdays at the Cayman Brac Beach Resort from 4-6 p.m.